Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

The report provides an update on the delivery of library services from Hazel Grove Library and information on the new opening hours from 1 April 2019.

The Area Committee is invited to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Janet Wood, 0161 474 4443, janet.wood@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report (copies attended the meeting and presented a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing changes to library opening hours and core staffed hours that were due to be implemented on 1 April 2019, following the installation of open library self-service technology (Open+) at Hazel Grove Library.

Janet Wood, Denise Rankin and Martin Roberts from the Library Service attended the meeting to present the report and answer questions form the Area Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Assurance was sought that there was confidence in the technology and procedures to allow for the library to be open and unstaffed for a complete day. In response it was stated that the Open + technology and approach had been successfully piloted for three years at Bramhall library without giving rise to any concerns about its suitability to be rolled out further.

·         Increasing footfall and visits to libraries was key to ensuring they remained viable. What was being done to explore co-location of other Council services or partners in libraries and at Hazel Grove in particular? In response it was stated the Council and partners were engaged in reviewing the public sector estate and exploring opportunities for co-location and rationalisation, either in existing or new facilities. It was acknowledged that there were a number of services and amenities in the vicinity of Hazel Grove library that might be considered for co-location. It was also stressed that staff at Hazel Grove library were engaged in a number of initiatives to engage the public with the library, such as having a presence at the Carnival and other events in the community.

·         Clarification was sought on how users could signed up to using the Open = system. An explanation was provided including the provision of an induction to ensure users of the safety measures in place to protect them and the library during unstaffed hours. Other councillors who had already registered commented on the ease of registration and the support provided by staff.

·         The service would be doing publicity to ensure that users were aware of the new opening hours and arrangements.

·         It was commented that the fact that the Council was being forced to reduce hours was regrettable and that this could have a negative impact on an aging population that was at increased risk of isolation. Libraries were often a reliable source of human contact for some of the most vulnerable members of the community. In response it was commented that the long term aspiration for the library service was to make these facilities more of a community hub with a greater sense of community ownership.

·         Whilst acknowledging that reducing staffed hours was regrettable, officers were commended for their efforts to mitigate this and providing innovative solutions.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and officers be thanked for their attendance.